Title: Introduction to Herman Melville and Moby Dick
Goals: To connect Melville’s life to the fiction of Moby Dick
To develop biographical knowledge of Herman Melville
To become aware of the archetypes and the science of conflict in Moby Dick
Objectives: The students will question the role of obsession in their own life through journaling, and how
that relates to Moby Dick.
The students will discover that science and nature is based on the conflict between opposites.
The students will reflect on the ethical question, why seemingly rational people follow
insane leaders? i.e. the crew of the Pequod and Captain Ahab.
Standards: 11.W.1.1 Students can write text using comparison/ contrast organizational patterns.
11.LVS.1.2 Students can evaluate logical and critical thinking used in communication.
11.W.1.2 Students can write a document analyzing how a work of literature mirrors the themes and issues of its historical period.
Materials: paper, pencil
Modifications: Appropriate pauses for the students to ask questions and discuss any uncertainties about the
subject matter.
Technology: Computer with power point projector
Assessment: Two journal assignments: the first is a personal question about obsession. The second is a
reflection on why rational people follow the obsession’s of their leaders.
Procedure: PP slide: picture of Herman Melville with the title Moby Dick
PP: Question? Have you ever been obsessed about something? If that’s too personal, then define
what is obsession or the difference between obsession and compulsion?
PP: My obsession is the South Dakota state gem stone the Fairburn agate. Ask if anyone wants to
share.
PP: Biographical notes of Herman Melville’s life.
PP: Examples of conflict that exist in Moby Dick.
PP: Examples of conflict in science, nature, and philosophy.
PP: With all this talk of obsession and conflict I will ask one final question: why does the crew of the Pequod follow Captain Ahab on his obsessive quest to destroy the white whale? We other examples in History like Jonestown or the Halle-Bop cult. Why do rational people follow insane leaders?
3-25-09
SEED 394/400
Lesson Plan #1
Title: Introduction to Herman Melville and Moby Dick
Goals: To connect Melville’s life to the fiction of Moby Dick
To develop biographical knowledge of Herman Melville
To become aware of the archetypes and the science of conflict in Moby Dick
Objectives: The students will question the role of obsession in their own life through journaling, and how
that relates to Moby Dick.
The students will discover that science and nature is based on the conflict between opposites.
The students will reflect on the ethical question, why seemingly rational people follow
insane leaders? i.e. the crew of the Pequod and Captain Ahab.
Standards: 11.W.1.1 Students can write text using comparison/ contrast organizational patterns.
11.LVS.1.2 Students can evaluate logical and critical thinking used in communication.
11.W.1.2 Students can write a document analyzing how a work of literature mirrors the themes and issues of its historical period.
Materials: paper, pencil
Modifications: Appropriate pauses for the students to ask questions and discuss any uncertainties about the
subject matter.
Technology: Computer with power point projector
Assessment: Two journal assignments: the first is a personal question about obsession. The second is a
reflection on why rational people follow the obsession’s of their leaders.
Procedure: PP slide: picture of Herman Melville with the title Moby Dick
PP: Question? Have you ever been obsessed about something? If that’s too personal, then define
what is obsession or the difference between obsession and compulsion?
PP: My obsession is the South Dakota state gem stone the Fairburn agate. Ask if anyone wants to
share.
PP: Biographical notes of Herman Melville’s life.
PP: Examples of conflict that exist in Moby Dick.
PP: Examples of conflict in science, nature, and philosophy.
PP: With all this talk of obsession and conflict I will ask one final question: why does the crew of the Pequod follow Captain Ahab on his obsessive quest to destroy the white whale? We other examples in History like Jonestown or the Halle-Bop cult. Why do rational people follow insane leaders?